Notting Hill Carnival RING OF STEEL: Knife-detecting arches installed for first time

KNIFE arches are being installed at Notting Hill Carnival for the first time in a bid to reassure visitors.
After a wave of violent crime in the capital in recent months, the arches will be placed at “strategic points” along the route of the West London street party.

The Metropolitan Police did not disclose where the detectors will be sited. It is hoped the “tried and tested” method will put off those planning to arm themselves with knives and offensive weapons, but not everybody will be expected to pass through them, according to the Met.

The two-day event, which starts tomorrow, will also be policed by 13,000 officers, the highest number in six years.

Superintendent Elisabeth Chapple, Met spokeswoman on the carnival, said: “We want people to come to the carnival to enjoy themselves and therefore we want to reassure people there is a significant policing plan in place working in support of the organisers to help them do that.

“One thing they may see that is a little different is that we are using knife arches.